Best Tales From Booksellers Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 282: WTF #1 | Getting to Know You 57:49

20h ago57:49

57:49

Welcome to the first episode of SSR: WriTing Friends! This new monthly series—co-hosted by Abby Wolfe—is a fun look at the writing process from multiple perspectives and stops along the way. Broadly speaking, our goal with WTF is to make the writing process transparent at every stage and to further connect readers and writers in this community and …

1
Episode 281: A Journey to the New World (Dear America) 49:55

8d ago49:55

49:55

Timed appropriately (and accidentally) with the 4th of July holiday, Episode 281 is a return to the beloved Dear America series! This time, Alli and her guest tag along on a frankly miserable journey on the Mayflower with Remember Patience Whipple in 1620. The book is A Journey to the New World and it was written by Kathryn Lasky and published in 1…

1
How to Write Authentic Stories That Matter: Lessons from Julian Winters 50:39

12d ago50:39

50:39

In this episode of the Written In Melanin podcast, host C. M. Lockhart speaks with author Julian Winters about his journey as a Black and queer writer, the importance of authentic storytelling, transitioning from young adult to adult fiction, and the impact of representation in literature. 00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast 00:23 Intro…

1
Episode 280: Keep Out, Claudia! (Baby-Sitters Club #56) 1:02:59

17d ago1:02:59

1:02:59

For the first time this year, we’re back to Stoney Brook with our favorite sitters! The fifty-sixth book in the series explores blatant racism… while the girls produce a musical with their young charges. There’s a lot going on! Episode 280 breaks down the way race and racism are portrayed in Ann M. Martin’s fictional world, looking closely at which…

1
Episode 279: The Tale of Despereaux 40:01

22d ago40:01

40:01

Like the book at its center, Episode 279 will feel like a warm hug! Kate is back, this week to discuss the Newbery Medal-winning The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. The conversation covers everything from dysfunctional families and empathy to fairy tale tropes and the author's origin story. Kate Czyzewski is an educator turned bookstore manag…

1
Creating Diverse Narratives in Film and Manga 49:24

28d ago49:24

49:24

In this episode of the Written In Melanin podcast, host C. M. Lockhart speaks with guest Robbie J. Atkinson, renowned for her avant garde storytelling, about her unique approach to crafting complex characters and plots in Manga and film, the journey of entrepreneurship, and the importance of creating diverse and thought-provoking narratives. 00:00 …

1
Episode 278: Bookseller Q&A 37:04

29d ago37:04

37:04

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a bookseller at an independent bookstore? Kate from Thunder Road Books in Spring Lake, NJ—who you might also recognize as @thesaltybookworm—is on SSR to answer all of your questions! Kate tells us… * How she transitioned from being a teacher to a bookseller * How the team chooses backlist titles to stock …

1
Episode 277: The Two Princesses of Bamarre 1:04:49

1M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

If you’ve been missing SSR’s signature approach to the literary throwbacks of your teen and tween years, the wait is over! Episode 277 marks our official return to the pod’s usual format—and this time, it’s all about Gail Carson Levine’s The Two Princesses of Bamarre. Published in 2001, the book is a story of bravery and sisterhood, and it creates …

1
Episode 276: Welcome Back! 41:56

1M ago41:56

41:56

SSR is back after Alli’s maternity leave! We’ll be back to discuss a new literary throwback next week, but we’re kicking things off (again!) with a little catch-up session. Chelsey Feder of @chelseyreads and Novel Pairings plays co-host to help bring the SSR community up to speed on what’s been happening since you last tuned into the podcast. Alli …

1
Brianna Peppins on Black representation and being a Black author in YA 43:48

2M ago43:48

43:48

In this episode of the Written In Melanin podcast, host C. M. Lockhart speaks with guest Brianna Peppins, author of young Adult Contemporary books, about her journey as a Black and Indie author, the influence of HBCUs on her writing, challenges in book marketing for Black authors, and advice for aspiring writers. 00:00 Welcome to the Written In Mel…

1
How to get indie books in bookstores 16:57

2M ago16:57

16:57

This is part 2 of the interview with Demetrius Frazier the owner of Resist Booksellers. 00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast 00:20 Navigating the World of Indie Publishing 01:36 The Amazon Debate: Convenience vs. Supporting Indie Bookstores 04:15 How to Market Your Book to Bookstores and Readers 16:21 Final Thoughts and How to Support th…

1
Why indie books aren't in indie bookstores interview with Demetrius Frazier of Resist Booksellers 55:48

2M ago55:48

55:48

This a part 1 of the interview with Demetrius Frazier the owner of Resist Booksellers 00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast 00:22 Spotlight on Demetrius Frazier: Literacy Advocate and Entrepreneur 03:05 The Mission and Impact of Resist Booksellers 11:24 Navigating the Book Industry as an Indie Author 31:30 The Power of Support: Valuing In…

1
The unsavory truth behind traditional publishing | Part 2 of the Bethany Baptiste Interview 47:26

2M ago47:26

47:26

This is part 2 of the interview with Bethany Baptiste the author of "The Poisons We Drink"00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast00:22 The Journey of 'The Poisons We Drink' with Bethany Baptiste00:33 Navigating the Challenges of Traditional Publishing02:16 Bethany's Publication Rollercoaster: Delays, Misprints, and Tours12:17 The Emotional …

1
From Fanfiction to Fantasy: Bethany Baptiste's Writer's Journey 45:02

3M ago45:02

45:02

This episode of the Written In Melanin podcast features host C. M. Lockhart in conversation with Bethany Baptiste, discussing her journey as a young adult sci-fi fantasy novelist. They dive into Baptiste's book 'The Poisons We Drink', exploring its unique blend of fantasy, politics, and the power of love potions. They discuss the inspiration behind…

1
Black Indie Fantasy Writing with Tatiana Obey 57:31

3M ago57:31

57:31

This episode features a discussion with author Tatiana Obey, known for her action-packed, character-driven stories featuring diverse characters. In it, C. M. Lockhart and Tatiana discuss various themes relevant to Black and indie authors, such as the importance of visibility, the challenge of receiving and giving honest reviews, and the significanc…

1
A Tale of Two Mediums | Brittney Morris on Video Games and Young Adult Fiction 39:57

4M ago39:57

39:57

In this episode of the Written In Melanin podcast, host C.M. Lockhart chats with Brittney Morris, author of 'SLAY' and video game writer. Morris shares her journey from being inspired by the Black Panther movie to becoming a bestselling author and transitioning into video game writing, with projects like Marvel's Spider-Man. She discusses the chall…

1
Writing Sapphic Fantasy and Indie Publishing with Tamara Jerée 54:11

4M ago54:11

54:11

Written In Melanin: Spotlighting Melanated Creativity, A Conversation with Indie Author Tamara Jerée In this episode of the 'Written In Melanin' podcast, host C. M. Lockhart welcomes indie author, Tamara Jerée to discuss their experiences and writing journey, including a detailed look at their experiences with creative writing academic programs (MF…

1
Exploring the Power of ChatGPT for Authors with Celeste Harte 50:07

5M ago50:07

50:07

In this episode of the Written In Melanin podcast, C. M. Lockhart, chats with Celeste Harte, a fantasy writer and expert on ChatGPT. They delve into their experiences as Black, independent authors, highlighting the challenges, evolution, and inspirations along the journey. Discussing everything from online writing platforms, the process of world bu…

1
Promoting Black Literature: A Discussion with the Hurston Wright Foundation 41:56

5M ago41:56

41:56

In this episode of Written In Melanin podcast, host CM Lockhart speaks with special guest DeAndréa Johnson, an educator, writer and the Writing Programs Manager at the Hurston Wright Foundation. The discussion offers an in-depth introduction to the foundation, its mission, and the many resources it provides to support Black authors. Besides sharing…

1
Crime Fiction, Publishing, and the Black Love Series: An Interview with Antwan Floyd Sr. 46:36

6M ago46:36

46:36

In this episode of the Written In Melanin Podcast, host C. M. Lockhart interviews Antwan Floyd Sr., an author and publisher of Crime Fiction Media. Lockhart discusses Floyd’s journey from writing urban fiction to crime fiction, as well as the decision to establish his publishing company. Asking Floyd about his sources of inspiration, both touch on …

1
Untangling Racism and Obligations in Black Horror: Conversations with Amanda B. Weaver 46:03

7M ago46:03

46:03

In this episode of the Written In Melanin podcast, host C. M. Lockhart engages in a discussion with Amanda B. Weaver (previously published under the name "Amanda Ross"), an indie author known for her work in Indie Fantasy and Horror. They discuss representation in horror and Amanda's upcoming novel, No One's Gonna Take her Soul Away. The conversati…

1
Episode 275: Listenersode 2023! 45:22

7M ago45:22

45:22

Thanks to all of the listeners who participated in this year’s crowd-sourced episode: Abby, Diane, Julia, Holly, Kat, Shira, and Tracey. Tune in to hear them answer questions about their favorite childhood reading, times when they disagreed with the podcast, book recommendations for 2024, and more!By Alli Hoff Kosik

1
Exploring Diversity and Storytelling featuring Omari Richards Author of The Kimoni Legacy 45:13

7M ago45:13

45:13

In this episode of the 'Written In Melanin' Podcast, host C.M. Lockhart engages in a deep and meaningful conversation with Omari Richards, a debut fantasy author. As they discuss Richards' newly published novel, 'The Kimoni Legacy', they explore the writing process, storytelling techniques, importance of diversity in literature, and the intricacies…

1
Episode 274: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1:01:01

7M ago1:01:01

1:01:01

For the final book episode of 2023, Alli and her guest turn their attention to a real classic: Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. It’s the first time reading the 1943 semi-autobiographical novel for both of them… and there’s a lot to discuss in this hefty volume! Topics of conversation include imperfect adults, the importance of education, pra…

1
Interview with E. M. Lacey, author of Song of Sin 46:20

7M ago46:20

46:20

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. E. M. Lacey is a coffee loving author who uses caffeine to generate dark urban, dystopian, and speculative stories with diverse adult and young adult characters. She enjoys posting and collecting coffee memes, watching horror movies, anime, and reading. And when she's not nerding…

1
Episode 273: Among the Hidden 59:45

7M ago59:45

59:45

At long last, Alli and her guest turn their attention to a book that’s been requested many times by listeners: Margaret Peterson Haddix’s Among the Hidden. The first installment in the Shadow Children series, Among the Hidden explores the consequences of a totalitarian government taking extreme measures to combat (alleged) overpopulation. Episode 2…

1
Episode 272: Fantastic Mr. Fox 41:36

7M ago41:36

41:36

With New Reads November 2023 behind us, we’re back to throwbacks, starting with Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox. Alli’s guest recently read the 1970 novel with her own children… and she has thoughts. Episode 272 features conversations about gender representation, fatphobia, the power of illustrations, violence, and the glorification of stealing. Bes…

1
Episode 271: Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute (New Reads November) 59:45

8M ago59:45

59:45

It’s the grand finale of SSR’s New Reads November 2023… and the perfect time to discuss Talia Hibbert’s YA debut, Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute. With a trio of fantastic guests, Alli gets into the details of the book’s plot and pays special attention to OCD representation, outdoorsy scholarship experiences, romance tropes, and the extent to w…

1
Guest Episode w/ Dana L. Davis | Fake Famous, Voice Acting, and Writing YA 1:02:41

8M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

Dana L. Davis joins me for this episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. She is an author, actress, and voice-over artist who lives and works in Los Angeles. She has starred in Heroes, Coach Carter, Franklin & Bash, Veronica Mars, and countless other film and TV productions. A few of her animation credits include Star vs. the Forces of Evil, Crai…

1
Episode 270: Throwback (New Reads November) 1:05:34

8M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

Week 3 of New Reads November takes a very close, very fun look at Maurene Goo’s Throwback. The book inspires conversations about everything from the complicated nature of mother/daughter relationships and empathy between generations to high school homecoming experiences and the tension between conformity and standing out. Alli and her guest also co…

1
Guest Episode w/ Tatiana Obey | Sistah Samurai, short stories, and understanding genres 1:02:53

8M ago1:02:53

1:02:53

Tatiana writes badass characters slaying dragons. She is the author of “A Forging of Age,” duology, and she enjoys combining action with character-driven stories that feature diverse heroes and heroines. Her debut novel, Bones to the Wind, is a 2022 BBA Award Winner and a 2022 Indie Ink Award Finalist. She once taught English in South Korea, studie…

1
Episode 269: Their Vicious Games (New Reads November) 58:44

8M ago58:44

58:44

Week 2 of New Reads November 2023 is all about Joelle Wellington’s Their Vicious Games. The book feels like a real return to the heyday of YA, with the addition of organic, fresh threads about class, race, and privilege. On Episode 269, Alli and her guest do plenty of fangirling over the book and discuss concepts like performative allyship, white s…

1
Episode 268: Friday I'm in Love (New Reads November) 1:01:07

8M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

New Reads November is BACK for a SIXTH year! This time around, we get things rolling with a conversation about Camryn Garrett’s Friday I’m in Love, which was published in January 2023. The book inspires conversations about “coming out narratives,” casual racism, self-aware narrators, the subversion of tropes about sweet sixteens, and the pressures …

1
BONUS EPISODE: Behind-the-Scenes of Bookish Content Creation + Maternity Leave Plans 39:17

8M ago39:17

39:17

On this special bonus episode, Alli is joined by Sara Hildreth of Fiction Matters and the Novel Pairings podcast! As she prepares to take a brief podcast maternity leave in early 2024, Alli looks to Sara for advice on how to manage a pause in sharing content with her community. They take you behind-the-scenes of the business of podcasting, Patreon,…

1
Guest Episode w/ Joelle Wellington | Their Vicious Games and being a debut author 55:08

8M ago55:08

55:08

Joelle Wellington grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where her childhood was spent wandering the main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Her love of the written word led her to a B.A. in Creative Writing and International Studies. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading and when she’s not doing that, she’s attempting to bake bread with varying degree…

1
Episode 267: Danger at the Zoo: A Kit Mystery (American Girl Mysteries) 1:05:29

8M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

Listener favorites Allison and Mary from Dolls of Our Lives are BACK for Episode 267! This time around, they join Alli to discuss Danger at the Zoo: A Kit Mystery, a 2005 installment in the American Girl Mysteries series that was written by Kathleen Ernst. They talk broadly about Kit’s storyline and the AG mysteries as an offshoot of the rest of th…

1
Ep 42 | Character Development 101: Give your characters REASONS for doing things 13:27

9M ago13:27

13:27

We're talking about character development this week y'all! Because one of the things I get asked a lot as a developmental editor, is to look at how characters are presented on the page, how they come across, and how they grow throughout the story. So, I figured I'd share some tips on how to create believable characters. Book a session with me: http…

1
Episode 266: Fall 2023 Q+A! 18:53

9M ago18:53

18:53

On this special episode, Alli answers listener questions about… * How she handles tricky situations with podcast guests * Whether she would rather deal with a boring book or a boring guest * The books she’s most excited to share with Baby K * The best marriage advice she’s ever received * The books that are still on her podcast wish list * Her curr…

1
Episode 265: Fifteen 1:00:02

9M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

On Episode 265, Alli and her guest explore a new side of all-time kid lit rock star Beverly Cleary — a more ~mature~ side! This week, the focus is one of Cleary’s books for teen readers, Fifteen. The conversation covers everything from awkward first date moments and ‘50s crush etiquette to class undercurrents and the importance of confidence. Alli …

1
Interview with Jessica Cage, author of A Corruption of Gilded Ashes | Black fantasy and shared worlds 50:40

9M ago50:40

50:40

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. Jessica Cage is an International Award Winning and USA Today Best-Selling Author of over thirty published books, host of the More Than a Plot Point Podcast, and mentor to indie authors across the world. Born and raised in Chicago, she's always been in love with writing and the ar…

1
Episode 264: Because I'm Worth It (Gossip Girl #4) 1:02:19

9M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Let’s get back to the Upper East Side, listeners! Episode 264 explores the fourth book in the bestselling Gossip Girl series, Because I’m Worth It. Alli and her guest consider the specific place that Gossip Girl occupies in their shared millennial pop culture history and talk through some especially disturbing parts of the book. Jamie Lilac is the …

1
Episode 263: First Test (Protector of the Small #1) 54:00

9M ago54:00

54:00

On Episode 263, Alli’s guest walks her through the first installment of one of her all-time favorite series: Tamora Pierce’s Protector of the Small. They discuss the ins and outs of First Test, as well as why the book has meant so much to the guest over the years. They also talk about toxic masculinity, the importance of quiet good deeds, protagoni…

1
Bonus Episode w/ Aleema Omotoni | What if Shakespeare had to grow up watching Dear White People? 55:21

10M ago55:21

55:21

Everyone's Thinking It by Aleema Omotoni Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. Aleema Omotoni is a British-Nigerian author. She writes novels that center Black teens coming of age, falling in love, and navigating all kinds of contemporary and fantasy worlds. She loves musical theatre, astrophysics and rainy autumn da…

1
Episode 262: New Moon 1:03:15

10M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Five years after our first foray into the world of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, SSR finally returns to the Twilight universe. At long last, Alli and her guest take a look at 2006’s New Moon, the book that gave Team Jacob Twihards their moment in the spotlight. Tune in for conversations about mental health, toxic relationships, and more, along with…

1
Episode 261: All-of-a-Kind Family 55:30

10M ago55:30

55:30

At long last, Episode 261 dives into the oft-requested All-of-a-Kind Family, the 1951 novel by Sydney Taylor that represented an important step for Jewish representation. Conversation topics range from model minorities and fatphobia to Jewish holidays and shocking romantic twists. Taleen Voskuni is the author of Sorry, Bro. Follow her on Instagram …

1
Episode 260: It's Not the End of the World 59:09

10M ago59:09

59:09

Let’s have a Judy Blume moment, shall we? Episode 260 takes a close look at the iconic author’s 1972 “divorce book,” It’s Not the End of the World. Alli and her guest discuss the ways in which our conversations with kids about divorce have changed… but also the ways they’ve stayed the same! They also talk about the emotional immaturity of the adult…

1
Episode 259: The Secret Garden 54:20

10M ago54:20

54:20

Episode 259 centers around The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett! Originally published in 1911, this is one of the oldest books covered on the podcast yet, making it a unique case for discussion. Alli and her guest talk about the notion of “classics” as a whole, as well as colonialism, disability, manifestation, the supernatural, unlikable k…

1
Bonus Episode w/ Neka Marie | Debut novels and author communities 1:10:30

11M ago1:10:30

1:10:30

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. Neka Marie is a speculative fiction author with a love for sugary snacks, too many activities, and is involved with too many fandoms. She is a former army brat, "retired" martial artist, and not-so-former-or-retired horsegirl with an affinity for holding onto random bits of knowl…

1
Episode 258: Surprise Island (The Boxcar Children #2) 52:51

11M ago52:51

52:51

For the first time in YEARS, SSR once again takes on Gertrude Chandler Warner’s beloved Boxcar Children series. Episode 258 is all about the second installment, Surprise Island… and the biggest surprise of all might just be that it’s a pretty quiet story! All aboard for the discussion about the general appeal of the Boxcar Children, gender roles, w…

1
Ep 41 | Time management as a full time author 17:14

11M ago17:14

17:14

One of the things I've very fortunate to be able to say is that I'm a full time author. It's the dream (and / or goal) for a lot of authors, but I'll be the first to warn (and admit) that working for yourself isn't the easiest thing in the world. With all the time in the world, it becomes difficult to decide how to make the most of it. So, today I'…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Tales From Booksellers Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide